The Power of Salt and Vinegar

Salt and vinegar flavored chips are probably one of the most lip-smacking flavors out there, but did you know individually the properties of each are so powerful? Today, there are so many diagnoses of cancer. Cancer doesn't care if you're poor or rich. All humans are susceptible to its plight. Many scientists and doctors try to figure out if this sickness stems from the produce we eat. When I go to the farmer's market or to the grocery store, I always bring my produce home and pull out two main ingredients-- salt and vinegar. 

SALT

I've discovered this little trick from one of my third graders whom I taught over a decade ago. When it was time to eat a snack, about three hours after the start of the school day, my student pulled out his bag of apple slices. Not only was it peeled and cut into thin pieces by his mother, but each slice was absolutely white and perfect. What was not visible was the disgusting brown spots normally found on apples that have been forming hours after it's been opened to the air. Later at that student's parent-teacher conference, I decided to ask the mother what was her secret to sending her son with the perfect healthy snack, free of flaws. After she told me the simplicity of just using salt and water, I decided to use it as a way to open up the scientific method to my classes in science at the beginning of the school year. What is the best way to keep apples from turning brown? 

Using a glass or metal bowl, pour cool water (3/4 bowl) and sprinkle about two pinches of table salt. Peel and slice your apples and place them in the solution. Make sure to mix the apple slices throughout the water and ensure the salt is well mixed with the cold water. Rinse a couple of times and place apple slices in sealable bags. The salt also brings out the sweetness from the apple. You'll find out that the apple is grab-ready and kid-friendly. Try it! 

VINEGAR

I place a large silver bowl on my countertop and place the strawberries or grapes inside getting ready to be bathed in a pool of cool water (2/3 bowl), white vinegar (1/3 bowl), and a microscopic dot of dish detergent. I use Dawn liquid dish detergent. I gently place my hands on the fruit and move it around dislodging any type of dirt or chemicals that may be hiding. After I feel like I've done a thorough job washing my kids' favorite produce, I give it a good rinse with cool water about three times. Using the vinegar not only cleans the delectable fruit, but it also gives it a prolonged shelf life in the refrigerator. 

There are many more uses for salt and vinegar, but for now, try these out first. You'll be surprised to find out how cheap and easy these home remedies are that you'll want to share it with all of your family and friends.